It’s officially Pride Month, and despite the national politics surrounding certain LGBTQ-plus issues, the community is ready to celebrate with events across the Central Coast. As part of our annual Pride issue, Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood speaks with a handful of wineries that are contributing a portion of wine proceeds to support local LGBTQ-plus […]
Pride Issue 2025
Posted inOpinion
Rainbows galore
Pride is upon us. It’s here. And I’m ready to flap my wings and tweet and twitter in celebration of the LGBTQ-plus community during their month, June! I’m curious what will happen at the Santa Maria City Council meeting tonight—June 3—as proclaiming Pride Month in June is on the agenda. Will the emboldened haters out […]
Posted inNews
Grocery Outlet marks Orcutt debut with $1,000 donation toward local high school resources
A white bear in a puffy chef’s hat and apron by the name of Osito Bimbo greeted the first customers to step foot in Orcutt’s newest grocery store the morning of its May 15 grand opening. Bringing Orcutt its first Grocery Outlet was a venture into uncharted territory for owner and operator Bryan Lutz, even […]
Posted inNews
Political Watch: June 5, 2025
• On May 29, U.S. Rep. Salud Carbajal (D-Santa Barbara) released a statement in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order, “Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,” which directs the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to coordinate with Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) on reforming existing regulations, including time limits on license application reviews. According […]
Posted inNews
Guadalupe appoints nonprofit to accept Royal Theater donations on its behalf
To reassure the public that donations toward Guadalupe’s Royal Theater project won’t be channeled into other uses, city leaders agreed on a new go-between for future contributions. During the Guadalupe City Council’s May 27 meeting, City Attorney Philip F. Sinco explained staff’s reasoning for nominating the Guadalupe Community Action Coalition (GCAC) to fill this role—despite […]
Posted inNews
Solvang City Council introduces potential camping ban akin to 2002 policy
For more than two decades, Solvang upheld a ban against overnight camping on public property. Two years after a 2023 revamp that made temporary camps lawful, the city is calling back to its 2002 stance. Approved 5-0 by the Solvang City Council on its first reading, the potential new anti-camping ordinance prohibits overnight stays on […]
Posted inNews
Santa Barbara County Fire Department announces high fire season recommendations
Wildfire season is here. Don’t want your home to burn down? The Santa Barbara County Fire Department has tips it hopes will help you evade disaster. In the first quarter of this year, the Palisades Fire tore through Los Angeles County, burning more than 23,000 acres of land and destroying more than 6,000 structures. Aiming […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Lompoc’s Pour Decisions blends a leisurely atmosphere with zesty margaritas
Pour it up Located at 724 E. Ocean Ave., Pour Decisions encourages thirsty locals to come in and try their fresh-squeezed margaritas and signature espresso martinis. The cocktail bar shares information about upcoming events on Facebook under the name Pour Decisions or on Instagram @pourdecisionslompoc. For more information, call (805) 972-3107. It’s happy hour in […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Fossemalle Dance Studio dancers perform An Invitation to Dance
Fossemalle Dance Studio’s Santa Ynez Valley Performing Arts Company will host its 36th season of An Invitation to Dance at the Santa Ynez Valley High School Little Theater. Under the direction of Christine Fossemalle, students will perform on June 18, 20, and 21 starting at 7 p.m. each night. Guests will be treated to three […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Lompoc starts summer with family-friendly movie nights
The city of Lompoc’s Parks and Recreation Division will host three free movies for community members throughout the summer at Ryon Memorial Park. Beginning with Moana 2 on Saturday, June 14, the Parks and Recreation Division will welcome families around 8 p.m. for a night of cinema under the stars. The division will screen Dog […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Mexicana Artist Helen Yanez depicts Purépecha heritage to highlight Mexican culture
Proud to represent On May 30, view Nuestra Lotería, which showcases the artwork of 220 students from Ernest Righetti and Santa Maria High Schools at the Santa Maria Fairpark from 5 to 8 p.m. For more information, visit corazondelpueblo.org/nuestra-loteria. The Fairpark is located at 937 S. Thornburg St. Helen Yanez said she was always the […]
Posted inOpinion
Support a state law that helps those living in an insurance gap
I’ve been living with kidney failure since 2019. Like so many Californians, I’ve faced more than just one diagnosis—diabetes, high blood pressure, gastroparesis, gout—and even the amputation of my foot due to sepsis. Dialysis, an intensive treatment done three times per week to keep me alive, has permanently affected my life. But I’ve fought every […]